Friday, March 22, 2013

Kindness, Gratitude, and Love

These days, I may be short on energy. I may be short on enthusiasm and creative-thinking. But one thing I'm not short on is acts of kindness, love, and my gratitude for them.

I appreciate so MUCH your emails and Facebook messages, and oh, the phone calls. Some of those phone calls have come at such a critical moment. And I'm humbled by your cards and gifts. Everything from beads to a motivational pencil to a sweet glass piglet has been delivered to my bedroom and they all bring me to tears. I don't deserve the kindness, but I'm so grateful for it.

Thank you.

A Kind Cornucopia from a lovely blog reader.

Unfortunately, I had to cancel a large craft show this weekend. HUGE bummer on many fronts, but there just was no way. No. Way. I was feeling really grumpy about it when I started sifting through Zack's Thursday Folder. The Thursday Folder is a folder the teacher sends home with their graded work for the week. Nestled in between fraction worksheets and pages about the fifty states was a worksheet on families. Zack had to pick a family member he admired and what traits they had he liked.

Oh, huge lump in the throat. He picked me.

In his best 4th grade penmanship, he wrote that I was "artistic, awesome, pretty, kind, cool, loving, short, and understands me." And then he said he was like me by being "artistic, cool, kind, loving, awesome, and, short."

Bracelet by Cindy Cima Edwards using one of Zack's charms, in this month's BeadTrends magazine.

Bless his heart.

We may be short here, but we cram every inch of our beings with love and care.

In the middle of all the not-fun-at-all stuff I'm dealing with, I'm constantly (CONSTANTLY) worried about being a good mother in the middle of it. This sheet of paper pretty much took the sting out of the wounds. wounds I've given myself, because it's obvious I'm loved. It warmed my tired heart to know what he thinks of me and more important, what he thinks of himself.

I hope all of YOU know how very much you're appreciated. I have been remiss in keeping up with email and messages ... it took a Herculean effort to write this. But I hope some of you will read this and know, without a doubt, that I do not take you for granted.

Better days are coming. I believe this. And then it will be my turn to shower you with more than just my mental thoughts of love and respect. I owe you all so much.

Oh Lori, you have a,really,great kid and he has an,awesome supercool mother. Hang in there, please. You are rigth, there will be better times. And hopefully,there are here for you soon. xoxo and. admire you too!

You deserve absolutely everything good. You're an amazing mother, and, to me, an incredible friend that I would be lost without. Remember, you're not short, you're fun sized! There will be more shows, by the way, and I'm not doing that great, either. Everything happens for a reason! OMG, enough with the clichés... Positive thinking brings positivity. Love you like crazy :-) Oh, and that's one terrific son you have. Not only is he smart, charming, and creative, he also is quite honest! XOXO

Yet more proof that Maya Angelou was right when she said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Your son feels understood … it doesn’t get any better than that. Beautiful post Lori … ♥

You're my role model Lori =) so thank you for every shares you've done. Not everyone can do such things. So it's for you to enjoy the sweet fruit of your kindness to us. Take care and hug for you alwaysss...

Zack's tribute to you is beautiful! I got a kick out of the fact that he listed short as one of your qualities. You should hang the paper he wrote in a place that will inspire you as they are words of truth!

I am so sorry to hear you are not feeling well and hope this rain cloud passes soon. You have an amazing family and many, many friends that care for you and are cheering you on!

I never knew this before I had sons of my own, but there is just something so precious about the love a boy has for his mom. I'm right there with you, wondering what kind of impact my chronic illness has on my sons. What a huge blessing you received in that confirmation coming from a *short* description of Zach's admiration. :-)

Thanks for another great post. I love hearing what a great kid Zach is. I've told more than one person about the post where Zach added the heart to your wrist tattoo because it makes me feel good, and I want them to feel good too! Good vibes...feel better.

Very interesting blog. Please don't think I am bossy or butting in, but just think of the amount of time and energy you use worrying about being good at ____. If we spent that time and energy actually doing something or learning something new or doing an act of kindness, imagine what the world would be like. If one is good at something, usually one does worry and does not need to worry. If one is not good, one does not usually worry nor would that one think of improvement nor do any improvement. If you are that worried about being a good parent, go somewhere that is a learning opportunity for your child- like a chid's museum or learning to do something new like photography or a craft( male or female)and the learning plus one on one is a double winner without worry. Have a fantastic day. (from a retired home ec teacher)

Well, from one 'shorty' to another, you sure know how to pack a lot of kindness and creative energy into everything you share w/all of us - so, thank YOU! As for Zack and the wonderful words he wrote about you,...the apple didn't fall far from the tree,...he's loved and understood and he knows it and he's as loving and understanding as his Mama!! What a wonderful gift he gave you with those word. Love this post!! Here's to brighter, healthier days ahead! *Hugs to you!*

Lori your post brought a lump to my throat. Your son is a beautiful reflection of you. I hope you feel better soon. There is no need to reply to this just know that we are all behind you and we appreciate all that you do give.

This is the first time in 3 months that I've been able to sit up and get on a computer so I did not know you were feeling so bad. It's actually the first week I could do anything! I can totally empathize and hope you are on the mend. That Zack is such a special guy! You are so lucky! Feel better and better!

Own it. You are all those things and more. And kids don't lie. They tell it like it is, no holds barred. That little man of yours is pretty insightful and artistic. Love his charms! Find your 'something good' in every day. Enjoy the day, Miss Lori! Erin

Oh Lori, I am so sorry to hear of your illness. I have been out of the loop for sometime as I am focused on upcoming events here on the home front. Do take care of you. KNOW I AM LOVING YOU Be blessed to be a blessing